2018

The Massachusetts Green Careers Conference connects stakeholders from education, business, government and nonprofits and learners to advance career development and sustainable development. The 2018 conference was held at MassWildlife headquarters, a LEED-Platinum building.

SCHEDULE & TOPICS

COMPLETE PROGRAM

8:30 – 9:00 am
REGISTRATION

9:00 – 9:25
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

State GovernmentThe State of Massachusetts is the largest green employer in Massachusetts. Learn about departments dedicated to the environment, employment opportunities, and how to find employment.Johanna Zabriskie Deputy Human Resources Director, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), State of Massachusetts – assigned to support human resources management with the Department of Fish and Game, Department of Agricultural Resources, and State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board.

Educating for the AnthropoceneLearn about a Social Science-based sustainability studies program focused on eco-societal challenges and opportunities that prepares students for resilient-sustainability thinking and behavior in domestic, professional and community life.Can be applied to multiple areas including Elementary Education, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Health and Health Sciences, Hospitality Services, Ocean Sciences, Sustainable Agriculture and Water Management.Nancy Lee Wood Professor of Sociology, Coordinator of the Liberal Arts Sustainability Studies Program, Bristol Community College

Worthwhile InternshipsIf you’re going to spend a semester or summer with an organization make sure you’ll be learning as much as possible.Check out basic legal requirements, questions to ask during an interview, and things to consider before accepting the position.Annie Wolf CVA, Volunteer Program Manager, The Trustees of Reservations.

9:30 – 9:55
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Municipal CareersEnvironmental issues are at the top of the list in many communities. Learn about community sustainability initiatives and the many public and private stakeholders doing this important work.Adam Chapdelaine Town Manager, Arlington.

Rebuilding the School-to-Career PipelineLearn about the development and evolution of a student internship partnership between Nashoba Regional High School and World Farmers in Lancaster MA.Topics covered will include how to make contact with potential partners, searching for and writing grants, the challenges of managing and sustaining partnerships, and lessons learned along the way.Timothy Castner Social Studies Teacher at Nashoba Regional High School; Grant Coordinator at World Farmers

Your Green Career Plan – WorkshopWhat’s your career goal? What do you need to do to get there? What do you need to learn? How do you gain the experience required? Plot your first step in a new direction, with help from our returning career coach.Amanda Peters Associate Director & Career Coach, Harvard Kennedy School.

10:00 – 10:25
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Municipal CareersEnvironmental issues are at the top of the list in many communities. Learn about community sustainability initiatives and the many public and private stakeholders doing this important work.Adam Chapdelaine Town Manager, Arlington.

The Blue EconomyMassachusetts has a thriving “blue economy” that supports thousands of good, local jobs in tourism, off-shore wind energy, ports, harbors and marinas, fisheries, aquaculture, scientific research, and more. Join this session to find your own career in the Commonwealth’s growing marine-based economy.Kevin Doyle President, Green Economy; professional development consulting work has included NOAA’s Coastal Management, Digital Coast Management, National Coral Reef Conservation Management Fellowship Programs (in partnership with the Department of the Interior), and several state and territory coastal zone management programs

Shaping the Future of SustainabilityLearn about Drawdown, a forward-looking book by Paul Hawken, that describes 100 solutions measured and modeled for their carbon impact through the year 2050. Sector summaries include electricity generation, food, women and girls, buildings and cities, land use, transportation, and materials. The UN Sustainable Development Goals will also be introduced.Jen Boudrie Conference Director..
10:30 – 10:55
CONCURRENT SESSIONSMillennials in Local & State GovernmentMany students seek careers that make a positive environmental impact and some are doing important environmental research while in college. Their work on real world problems and solutions is valuable learning experience for the students and valuable assistance to government environmental agencies.Rick Reibstein Lecturer, Environmental Law, Boston University and Harvard DCE; retired Senior Environmental Analyst, State of Massachusetts.Navigating the Hiring Process – Interview WorkshopLearn about how you prepare for an interview, present yourself during an interview, and plan for negotiating aspects of the job like your salary.Michelle Waters Ekanem Director of Diversity and Civil Rights, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Careers for the Blue PlanetLearn about a spectrum of careers – in government, non-profits, business, and education – that focus on water locally and globally.Kevin DoylePresident, Green Economy; professional development consulting work has included NOAA’s Coastal Management, Digital Coast Management, National Coral Reef Conservation Management Fellowship Programs (in partnership with the Department of the Interior), and several state and territory coastal zone management programs
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11 – 11:55
PLENARY (WHOLE AUDIENCE)

12:00-12:55
LUNCHMeet employers and presenters, and enjoy networking. Lunch will be provided by Farm to Fork Catering.

1:00 – 1:55
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Blue CitiesYou’ve heard about Green Communities but have you heard about Blue Cities? The majority of the world’s population live in urban areas near oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams. Learn about Blue Cities and related careers.Pallavi Mande Director of Blue Cities, Charles River Watershed Association.

Professional Associations Career ResourcesAre you exploring career opportunities and ideas? Industry associations have job listings, events for networking and professional development, and other relevant industry/career info. The presenter was unable to come, but you can check out this PPT Presentation.

..Division of Fisheries and Wildlife HQ – ToursEnjoy a guided tour of the working environment of Mass Wildlife staff in their beautiful LEED Platinum building!Susan Sacco Assistant to the Director, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.

2:00 – 3:00 NETWORKING / RECEPTION

COACHINGCareer and sustainability coaches provided 15-minute one-to-one coaching at the conference at no additional charge. This is a popular feature of our conferences.

CONFERENCE COMMENTS
What did people have to say about this year’s conference?

I liked the way it was set up. Everyone had a choice of what they wanted to do with their day. I thought things were run very well.

I thought my coach was very helpful. She talked to me about some strategies moving forward and also helped me out with my resume. I was amazed with how much I got out of a 15 minute session.

I got real insight from hiring managers of companies I want to work for.

Variety of topics and good presenters.

I liked the location and proximity to my work, and that it was very relevant for the field I am interested in.

Everyone was friendly.

Professionalism.

It helped me to focus.

Presenters focused on specific jobs and job types that were actually available at easily identified employers.

I liked the mix of students, professionals and employers present who offer different insights. Good, short, and manageable lectures.

I liked the pace of the conference and options of speakers.

I was able to make some connections and get some ideas about potential internships, mostly from fellow attendees. I am going to adjust my resume and be more proactive about the search process.

Benefit: gave me a shot in the arm, as I’m a career-changer (from admin work in a hospital in medical education) to the environmental field. I have a lot of volunteer expererience in that arena but only about 2 years of professional experience in conservation. I also hooked up with someone I knew and had a great conversation that helped me professionally.

I have already applied some of the things I learned at the conference to improving my resume and cover-letter writing. Additionally, I made good connections with state agency members, which is where I hope to work in the future.

The conference opened up some possible work opportunities and how to present myself on paper and in person.

I learned about a fellowship to apply for and a possible class to take next semester. I met new people to reach out to and added to my network.

The interview workshop and discussion on salary negotiation was the most beneficial part of the conference for me.

I was pleasantly surprised by the conference. The location was beautiful and there were helpful lectures.

GREEN EVENT FEATURES

Green features of the 2018 conference included:

Our Purpose

Connecting people for career development and sustainable development

Venue

Meeting space in a LEED-platinum building at MassWildlife Headquarters

NOTE: About 130 sheets of paper were used for this conference including the signage, handouts, printed guide and administration. Very good!

A/V

State of the art screen/desktop, wireless mouse/keyboard, and travel drive – No projectors or laptops needed (i.e. wireless rooms)

Transportation

Carpooling encouraged and assistance provided upon request

The carbon offset for all building energy and transportation to and from both our annual conferences is a donation to a local Massachusetts environmental organization. Former recipients: Climate Action NOW, Green Marlborough, Home Energy Efficiency Team, Live Cooler, Mass Climate Action Network, Mass Green Network, Project Green Schools, and Toxics Action Center.

Outcomes

Connecting people and resources to advance career development and sustainable development

Green event standards set a good example for others

Congratulations to participants and conference staff on Zero Waste event results! A trash audit at day’s end revealed: less than one pound of trash, two pounds of cardboard/paper that were recycled, and 14 pounds of food and paper waste that was composted.

CONFERENCE HOST
The Massachusetts Green Careers Conference is created by a team of professionals from government, business, academia, and non-profits.